They're Off - Relay for Life, Winchester, VA - 2012

And, there off!  The annual Relay for Life has started at James Wood High School in Winchester, VA.  The annual events draws teams from the area and beyond to support the American Cancer Society. 

This year's event includes 1141 participants, 72 teams and has raised $217,078 dollars.  The team, W.I.N.G.S., came in first with their fund-raising at $30,492.00.  This team is a real estate client of mine, and they have passion for this event. 

The Relay for Life is a overnight event where teams camp out and around a track.  Teams members take turns walking the track.  There is entertainment throughout the night.  Food is provided throughout the night.  The event begins with the Survivors Lap.  During that lap, cancer survivors join other survivors to walk that first lap together.  It's an inspirational moment. 

When it gets dark, there is the Luminaria Ceremony where people who have been touched by cancer, and in honor of those who lost their battle with cancer, are remembered.  Bags with candles illuminate the track.  Photos are attached to bags to represent those who are being remembered.  This lap is walked in complete silence.

The final event of the night is the Fight Back Ceremony.  This is a time to make a commitment to take action.  It may mean making a commitment to stop smoking, speak to an elected official about cancer and what can be done to help fight it or simply getting more involved in the fight through events like the Relay for Life. 

It's a great event in the Winchester, VA, area, and every year the community comes together to encourage the participants in a myriad of ways.  Won't you consider getting involved in your community?